Quandaries and Quagmires: ‘Non-legal work,’ billing, discipline, questions

William Wernz May 6, 2019 Leave a comment

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A March 20, 2019, public discipline petition includes an “unreasonable fee” charge.

Tagged with: Bill Wernz Quandaries and Quagmires

Quandaries and Quagmires: Conflicts of interest in advising and opining

William Wernz May 22, 2018 Leave a comment

There is a surprising gap in the law and literature about conflicts of interest.

Tagged with: Bill Wernz Quandaries and Quagmires

Quandaries and Quagmires: Workplace harassment in the legal community

William Wernz November 17, 2017 Leave a comment

Minnesota judges and lawyers have been disciplined for sexual harassment in litigation settings, beginning about 30 years ago.

Tagged with: Bill Wernz Quandaries and Quagmires

Quandaries and Quagmires: What to do about subpoena for ex-client’s file?

William Wernz June 9, 2016 Leave a comment

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In 2013, Larry, a solo transactional lawyer, assisted Beyer in purchasing a business from Stella. In 2016, Beyer stops payments to Stella, alleging breach of warranties. Stella sues Beyer. Beyer retains Amy, a litigator. Stella’s counsel, Stanley, serves a subpoena ...

Quandaries and Quagmires: Discipline for prosecutor’s ‘derogatory’ statements

William Wernz February 4, 2016 Leave a comment

Former Cook County Attorney Timothy Scannell is the first Minnesota lawyer to be publicly disciplined for a Rule 3.6(a) violation in the rule’s 30-year history. AP file photo: Star Tribune

When is an attorney’s public statement subject to discipline because it is likely to prejudice a criminal jury trial? A recent case failed to answer this question, even though an answer should have been required for discipline. Former Cook County ...